Neeraj Chopra is a renowned Indian javelin thrower and a celebrated figure in athletics, best known for making history as the first Indian to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field. His groundbreaking victory at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics not only brought global recognition to Indian athletics but also inspired a new generation of sports enthusiasts in the country.
Profile
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Neeraj Chopra |
| Date of Birth | December 24, 1997 |
| Place of Birth | Khandra village, Panipat district, Haryana, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 1.86 meters (6 ft 1 in) |
| Weight | 86 kg (189 lbs) |
| Sport | Athletics – Javelin Throw |
| Personal Best | 89.94 meters (2022) |
| Coach | Klaus Bartonietz |
| Military Rank | Subedar Major, 4 Rajputana Rifles, Indian Army |
| Education | DAV College, Chandigarh; Lovely Professional University, Punjab |
| Marital Status | Married to Himani Mor (January 2025) |
Early Life and Background
Neeraj Chopra was born on December 24, 1997, in Khandra, a small village in Panipat, Haryana, India. Growing up in a Haryanvi Ror agricultural family, he was the eldest of three siblings, with two sisters, Savita and Sangeeta. His father, Satish Kumar, is a farmer, and his mother, Saroj Devi, is a homemaker. The extended family, including three uncles, totaled 19 members, creating a close-knit, supportive environment. As a child, Neeraj struggled with obesity, weighing 80 kilograms at age 11. To address this, his father enrolled him in gyms in Madlauda and Panipat, where his journey into athletics began. At Shivaji Stadium in Panipat, Neeraj’s interest in javelin throwing sparked after observing other athletes, leading him to try the sport under the guidance of coach Jaiveer Choudhary.
Neeraj Chopra Career
Neeraj’s talent was evident early on. At 13, he could throw a javelin over 40 meters without formal training, impressing coach Jaiveer. He began training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) center in Panipat in 2010 and later moved to the Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula, training under running coach Naseem Ahmad due to the lack of a specialized javelin coach. In 2012, he won the under-16 national javelin championship with a national record throw of 68.40 meters. His first international competition was the 2013 World Youth Championships in Donetsk, Ukraine, where he finished 19th with a 66.75-meter throw. In 2014, he earned a silver medal at the Youth Olympics qualification in Bangkok.
In 2016, Neeraj’s career soared when he won gold at the IAAF World U20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland, setting a junior world record with an 86.48-meter throw, a record he still holds. That same year, the Indian Army recruited him as a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) with the rank of Naib Subedar in the Rajputana Rifles, granting him leave to train. Despite missing the 2016 Rio Olympics due to a cutoff date clash, he continued to excel, winning gold at the 2017 Asian Championships and the 2018 Commonwealth and Asian Games.
Olympic and Global Success
Neeraj made history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021 due to COVID-19) by winning the men’s javelin throw gold with an 87.58-meter throw, becoming the first Indian track and field athlete to claim an Olympic gold medal and the second Indian, after Abhinav Bindra, to win an individual Olympic gold. His performance outshone strong competitors like Johannes Vetter and Jakub Vadlejch. In 2022, he secured a silver medal at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon with an 88.13-meter throw, followed by a gold at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest with an 88.17-meter throw, making him the first Asian to win a javelin world championship.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, despite battling an adductor injury, Neeraj threw a season-best 89.45 meters, earning a silver medal and becoming the first Indian track and field athlete to win two Olympic medals. Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem took gold with a record-breaking 92.97-meter throw. Neeraj also excelled in the Diamond League, winning the trophy in 2022 and finishing second in the 2024 final with an 87.86-meter throw, just one centimeter shy of first place. His consistent podium finishes in 24 consecutive competitions since 2020 highlight his dominance.
Neeraj Chopra Personal Life
Neeraj’s personal life reflects his grounded nature. He married former tennis player and coach Himani Mor in January 2025, sharing the news on Instagram with the caption, “Neeraj (heart emoji) Himani, bound by love.” He remains close to his family, living in a three-story bungalow in Khandra, where a dedicated room displays his achievements, including his Tokyo Olympic gold medal. Neeraj enjoys riding motorcycles, owning a Harley Davidson 1200 Roadster and a Bajaj Pulsar 220F. He loves animals, often sharing photos with them on social media, and has a fondness for sweets, particularly homemade churma, which he indulges in as a cheat meal.
Neeraj Chopra Family
Neeraj’s family has been instrumental in his success. His parents, Satish and Saroj, provided unwavering support, encouraging his athletic pursuits despite their modest background. His sisters, Savita and Sangeeta, and extended family fostered a nurturing environment. Living in a joint family of 19, Neeraj credits their encouragement for his discipline and determination. His father’s decision to introduce him to sports to combat obesity was pivotal, setting him on the path to global stardom.
Neeraj Chopra Net Worth
As of 2025, Neeraj Chopra’s net worth is estimated at $4.5 million (approximately Rs 37 crore). His wealth stems from match fees, brand endorsements, and cash awards. He earns over Rs 30 lakh monthly and more than Rs 4 crore annually. Endorsements with brands like Nike, Under Armour, Omega, Gatorade, BYJU’s, and JSW Sports significantly boost his income, making him India’s second-highest-paid athlete for endorsements after Virat Kohli. After his Tokyo Olympic win, he received Rs 13 crore in cash prizes from state governments and organizations. Neeraj owns a luxurious car collection, including a Range Rover Sport, Ford Mustang GT, Toyota Fortuner, Mahindra XUV 700, and Mahindra Thar, alongside his motorcycles. His three-story bungalow in Khandra is a testament to his success.
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FAQs
Who is Neeraj Chopra?
Neeraj Chopra is an Indian track and field athlete specializing in javelin throw. He is the first Indian to win an Olympic gold medal in athletics (Tokyo 2020) and a world champion (2023).
What is Neeraj Chopra’s net worth?
As of 2024, Neeraj Chopra’s net worth is approximately $4.5 million (Rs 37 crore), derived from match fees, endorsements, and cash awards.
Is Neeraj Chopra married?
Yes, Neeraj married Himani Mor, a former tennis player and coach, in January 2025.
What are Neeraj Chopra’s major achievements?
Neeraj won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, 2023 World Championships, 2018 Commonwealth and Asian Games, and the 2022 Diamond League. He earned a silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics and 2022 World Championships.
Where is Neeraj Chopra from?
Neeraj hails from Khandra village, Panipat, Haryana, India, born into a farming family.
What is Neeraj Chopra’s role in the Indian Army?
Neeraj is a Subedar Major in the Rajputana Rifles, appointed as a Junior Commissioned Officer in 2016 with the rank of Naib Subedar, later promoted for his achievements.
What is Neeraj Chopra’s education?
Neeraj completed his Bachelor of Arts from Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Punjab, in 2021.
How tall is Neeraj Chopra?
Neeraj stands at 178 cm (5 feet 10 inches) and weighs approximately 86 kilograms.
Social Media Handle
Instagram: @neeraj____chopra
